UK Catholic Deacon Awarded British Empire Medal For Service to Seafarers

Sometimes we’re tempted to doubt that human trafficking and slavery still exit in our time. However, unfortunately slavery is prevalent in a myriad of forms and in all countries throughout the world.

While we often hear only the scandalous statistics and the stories of terrible abuses, the beginning of 2018 brings one story of hope from Britain.

Deacon Roger Stone, whose ministry is serving seafarers, has been recognized in the 2018 New Year’s Honours in the UK. As Port Chaplain in Southampton for the past seven years, one aspect of his work has included rescuing victims of human trafficking from boats along the south coast of England. On one such occasion this involved Deacon Roger supporting three Filipino seafarers who’d been kept in slave-like conditions on a boat and helping them through the government process for identifying victims of human trafficking.

Brigidine Sisters give thanks for the example of Deacon Roger. In 2018 we will continue to raise awareness about issues related to modern day slavery and to take decisive action for justice for all victims of human trafficking.

St Josephine Bakhita, Patroness of trafficked people, pray for us and for all who work to support trafficked people.